Dressing For Your Current Weight
Letting go of what no longer fits and getting dressed with comfort, confidence, and kindness.
I’m still decluttering my wardrobe, which at this point feels less like a project and more like a new hobby. Just when I think I’m finished, I get a second wind and start pulling things off hangers with fresh determination and very little patience.
This round of editing has had one focus…dressing for my current weight, not the weight I used to be or the weight I hope to be next season.
Lately, my tolerance for uncomfortable clothes has dropped to zero. Zero…so I boxed up several more pairs of jeans that were technically fine, but too snug and too far from fitting my body as it is now.
The jeans I’m wearing here are one size larger than I used to buy, and I can tell you this without drama or shame…they feel so much better. I can sit down without thinking about it, breathe easily, and go through my day without feeling squeezed. And that simple shift sparked a bigger thought.
One of the kindest things we can do for ourselves is to dress for the body we have right now. Not the body we had. Not the body we’re hoping for. The one we wake up in every morning.
Getting Dressed For Your Current Weight is a Form of Self-Respect
Our bodies change. Sometimes gradually, sometimes overnight, and rarely with a heads-up. Hormones shift, metabolism slows (apparently to conserve energy for… what, exactly?), and sleep, stress, or medication can all leave their fingerprints.
And just to keep things interesting, we might stay the same weight while everything quietly redistributes itself into new terrain. None of this is failure. It’s biology doing what it does…whether we approve or not.
Dressing the body you have now isn’t giving up. It’s simply choosing clothes that fit comfortably and support you throughout the day. They shouldn’t distract you or make you feel self-conscious every time you look in the mirror.
Why Fit Frees Up Mental Space
Clothes that don’t fit demand attention. You’re tugging, smoothing, planning how long you’ll be sitting…and wondering if anyone else can see that one button trying to give up. It may seem subtle, but it does add up, and all that quiet self-monitoring takes energy.
When something fits, it stops being the main character. You’re not thinking about your waistband every time you move. You’re thinking about your actual day of errands, coffee, and your to-do list, instead of your pants.
That’s not a small thing. It’s a shift from managing discomfort to just… living your life.
Fit is What Makes Clothes Look Polished
It’s not the brand or the trend that makes an outfit work…it’s the fit. Clothes that skim the body look intentional. They say, “I meant to wear this.” Clothes that cling, sag, or bunch say something else entirely, no matter how expensive or well-made they are.
This is where a lot of us get stuck. We assume the problem is the color, the cut, or worse, ourselves. But most of the time, it’s the size or the proportion. A waistband that digs, sleeves that pinch, fabric that clings where it never used to is not a flaw. It just doesn’t fit anymore. And that can mess with your mood before you’ve even had coffee.
Sometimes the solution is sizing up. Sometimes it’s tailoring. And sometimes it’s admitting that a once-favorite piece has quietly aged out of rotation.
What to do With Clothes That No Longer Fit
Letting go doesn’t have to mean tossing everything or feeling wasteful. If you’re not ready to part with something, try this:
- Set it aside in a separate box or closet. Out of sight, but not gone.
- Consign or sell better pieces and use the credit toward things that fit you now.
- Donate to a women’s shelter or a local closet program.
- Offer them to a friend, daughter, or niece who might love them.
Some pieces are worth a second life, even if they don’t belong in yours anymore.
What to Wear When Nothing Fits
When your usual outfits stop working, you don’t need an overhaul. You just need a few combinations that meet your body where it is now.
- Pull-on trousers + oversized poplin shirt + low-heeled boots or sleek sneakers
Polished without feeling rigid. Look for soft fabrics with a little structure, nothing clingy, nothing collapsing. - Wide-leg knit pants + fitted top + cropped jacket
Comfortable but balanced. The jacket adds shape without squeezing anything. - Column of color + long vest or duster + flats or sneakers
Visually elongating and forgiving. The vest adds structure without pressure. - Stretch jersey midi skirt + boxy tee or sweater + sandals or slides
Relaxed, not sloppy. The right fabric (think drape, not cling) does most of the work. - Tunic-length sweater + straight-leg pants + pointed flats
Coverage without bulk. A pointed shoe keeps it sharp.
The Number on the Tag is Not the Point
Sizing is inconsistent by design. A size 10 in one brand can feel like a size 14 in another…and next season, it might shift again. That’s not your body changing. That’s just marketing.
Vanity sizing exists because brands know we’re more likely to buy something if the number on the tag is “smaller.” It’s nonsense, but it works.
If the number on the tag bothers you, just cut the tag out. You don’t owe your self-esteem to a marketing strategy.
Clothes aren’t a scorecard. They’re tools. Their only job is to support your life.
A Simple Wear Test that Tells You The Truth
If you’re unsure whether something actually fits, skip the mirror pep talk and do this instead. It’s faster and far more honest.
The Quick Fit CheckList
- Sit down and stand back up.
If the waistband digs in or the fabric pulls, it’s not working for you. - Move like you would on a normal day.
Reach, bend, walk, twist. If it rides up or needs constant adjusting, that’s information. - Notice how much mental attention it requires.
If you’re thinking about it all day, it’s draining you.
If a piece fails one of these tests, it’s not a judgment on your body. It’s feedback on the garment. And that distinction matters. You may also enjoy Simple Tips To Guarantee Your Clothes Fit Properly
When Clothes Don’t Fit, It’s Not You, It’s The Clothes
You can’t feel confident when your clothes are working against you. When a waistband digs, a button gaps, or a seam pulls every time you sit down…that’s not a style problem. That’s a comfort problem.
And no one shows up fully when they’re distracted by discomfort. So let the old size go. Let the old expectations go. Wear the size that fits today, and notice how much easier everything feels…starting with your morning.
Is there something in your closet that’s quietly chipping away at your confidence every time you wear it?
Maybe today’s the day to let go of just one piece. What would it be?
Loved the blog. You hit on the daily problem with dressing. Thanks.
5-fluorouracil 5% cream: I used it in the fall. Very important: After scabs fall off your nose, etc., be extremely vigilant with sunscreen, especially on nose. I wasn’t careful enough and my nose got slightly red from too much sun, the look of a heavy drinker, not a good look! (I don’t drink anymore.)
I am being very very careful to protect my skin
Hi Jennifer – The sit down test for jeans is definitely key to comfort. One of my pet peeves is that brands don’t publish the actual garment measurements and that sizing is so inconsistent these days. I do most of my shopping online, so that means a lot of returns and exchanges instead of getting a proper fit the first time. When I did my first purchase of Frame Le Sleek during a Nordstrom sale, I ordered what I thought my normal size would be and a second pair in the next biggest size. The “normal” size was far too tight. Of course, my husband thought that one looked best, but I told him I was going to go with comfort. These are the best jeans I’ve ever worn.
Another pet peeve is that almost all jackets these days are either cropped or way oversized. When I was younger, I could pull off the short length, but now that I have a “menopause” larger bustline, I need a longer length. I wish more brands made jackets that had mid-hip length and a “skim-the-body” fit in natural fabrics. I’d love your suggestions!
Another excellent post that is helpful, informative and spot on!! Please keep up the great work!!
Where is that wonderful blue.green/teal shirt come from? The color is gorgeous.
That was from Nordstrom several years ago
Such a good post today. I have learned that “squeezing “ into that pair of jeans or pants only makes you look larger. Undies show through instead of being smooth. Also too tight on the sweater or blouse gapping makes your bust look saggy. No one knows the size but you!!!
Thank you so much. I am 65 and I can tell you I am a much happier person since I’ve gotten rid of so many clothes upon retirement. My weight does fluctuate but more importantly comfort and fit are now my driving forces!! Yes, cut the tag out if it bothers you! I have everything from a med in Eileen Fischer to a small in frank and Eileen in some things and a large and even xl in a few. Just goes to show us the size does not matter!
This is importnt for us to realize.
I have 3 pairs of pants for my customer service job at a ski area. I have 3 pairs for my restaurant kitchen job. I have exercise clothes. That’s it. The rest should just go!
Not only has my body changed, but my life has changed. I live in a rural area, and my clothing needs have simplified. It’s fun to have new, but what do I need?
I so appreciate your honesty and practicality when it comes to having good fitting clothes. My weight is the same, but my body is changing around the waist and tummy. I’ve been discouraged, UNTIl I read your comments today. A big Thank You!
My pleasure!
Thank you so very much. I needed to hear this. I thought it was just me but now I know I’m not alone. My weight hasn’t changed much but my shape has even though I do yoga, pilates & walk 2 miles a day. I am going to be honest with myself and let some of my favorites find new home as at 77 I’m never going to have the shape had in my 40s., 50s, or even my 60s.
Thank you for responding to my questions regarding what to wear to a resort wedding. I appreciate your suggested websites and I have several options in my cart. I really enjoy your blog.
Maureen
Have a wonderful time!!
Thank you for today’s information. Great to read the number doesn’t count, comfort and appearance does.
Great post! I will bookmark and come back to it.
Dear Jennifer: I am working with a pelvic floor physical therapist to try to strengthen that area. I find if I wear clothing that is too tight in the waist I feel it in the pelvic region. Very uncomfortable! The therapist says this a known issue. You squeeze your waist and it effects the pelvic muscles causing the discomfort. So…like you, I am really aware if something is not right. By the way, a lot of the exercises I am being taught are gentle strengthening of the core. If you have had babies and are of a certain age, you might want to get yourself referred to a pelvic specialist. There are not a lot of them, but I am finding it helpful. Thank you for this insightful post.
Dear Jennifer,
I read your posts every day and I just love it. I admire your pictures. You always look amazing and happy. Such a wonderful and intelligent lady you are !
For me, it would be some of my slimmer straight leg jeans. They fit in the morning and then by four they are too tight in my waist and crotch. I buy a size larger because of my waist. My legs and hips are slim but my waist has gone into a fluffy muffin! Because I still look slim, it isn’t noticeable except to me. The sizing today expects 10” difference between the waist and hips, mine is five. Chicos have a more forgiving waistband and Liz Claiborne and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans from JCP. If I go up another size my legs and hips will be very baggy and look like jodhpurs! Plus I’m only 5’1” tall. I’m wearing 12P so I can sit down! But they don’t really fit that well. No tailor in our little town and I can’t sew very well anymore with my arthritis. I do have some pull on pants from Landsend called Sport knit pants which are comfortable but again, a little baggy butt and thighs. What to do? I’m 135-138 lbs. I’m 81 but still like to look good in my casual life.
So true! When your clothes fit, you look better than when you squeeze into an outfit that no longer fits. The too small clothes will make the person seem bigger than they are.
I love this! My clothes right now are many sizes because as you said, each brand is different. Vanity sizing can play with your mind!
Thank you, so well said! All of it! ❤️
Thank you so much for reminding us to love the body we are in. 🥰
Such great advice Jennifer! I totally agree.
Editing my closet is an ongoing process for me. It’s very freeing when I have a box of good (but no longer me) clothes to donate. Anf when I stopped looking at the size on the tag, it was a great day!
Yes!!
Thank you so much for this positive post and uplifting reminder that there are solutions to our body changes .
Our bodies change as we age due to hormonal changes as well as a gradual decrease in muscle mass, collagen, and metabolism even if weight stays the same!
Jennifer, Thank you so much for this reminder. I have gradually been getting rid of things that fit the “old me”. I still have some pieces that I cling to because they were favorites. I needed the reminder that they are doing me no favors now that I am larger. They are just dead weight in my wardrobe. I have purged a lot of pieces that I feel sure I will never wear again. I need to pull a few more items. I do set some things aside in a box in case I do lose 10 pounds. My husband teases that it will never happen, but thanks to Ozempic and later Trulicity, prescribed for his diabetes, he has lost over 100 pounds. His taste has changed. There are foods we used to enjoy – smoked barbecue, for example – that we no longer eat because he says they taste bad. I can see why he has lost weight. He just doesn’t want to eat much at all. No appetite. I am kind of jealous. It’s been really easy for my husband to lose weight. He is not restricting himself, he just has no desire for the food. I would love to see what that is like. But, according to medical charts, I am of normal weight, so no GLP prescription for me. Unfortunately, I am displeased aesthetically with this so-called normal weight. I’d like to get back to my smaller size. That being said, I wholeheartedly agree that we need to dress the body we have today. We will look and feel better!
We just feel so much better when our clothes fit!
Clothes fit so differently now. One cannot go by the size on the tag. A comfortable fit looks much more attractive and put together. Thanks for your diligence with helping us!
I’m glad this was helpful
This is very timely! A few months ago I did a serious closet cull, getting rid of clothes I’d kept for 15-20 years hoping I’d fit back into them. A breast cancer diagnosis with reconstructive surgery gave me one last hope that I might do it, but alas, I finally came to the long overdue conclusion that my post-menopausal body just isn’t the one I had and loved so long ago. The good news is that my daughter was able to re-purpose many of the clothes and even gave some to her friends who love “vintage” stuff. My closet is much cleaner and dressing in the morning is far easier when I’m not looking at what used to be!
Yes! I totally agree
THIS! Perfect for today! Thank you! I spent part of the weekend trying on blue jeans. Ugh. I completely ignored the “3 garments per dressing room” sign and took in as many hangers as I could carry (because there’s never a salesperson to help with another size when you need them). I quickly realized that size is just a number … and often the numbers lie! One size 12 can be completely larger (smaller/shorter/longer) than the EXACT same item in a size 12 … it all depends on how the garment was sewn. As well as advice to ignore the size, I’d advise to try on several pairs in the same size. You’ll be surprised at the difference, and one pair will always fit best!
I totally agree with everything you are saying here. When you are wearing comfortable clothing you can focus on the task on hand. I quit holding on to dresses that I thought I could always wear when needed but when I try them on they just don’t fit right anymore. Even if you haven’t gained weight your right about your body changing. I guess we have to be ruthless about what to save and what to keep.
Love today’s post! If size matters cut the tags out and everything is a size 0. You look great.
Jennifer, thanks for the great post – I agree 100%! My difficulty is actually in the actual search for clothes that fit. When I go to a store, it’s iffy that they have my size (12) in the item that I want to try on. In the past I’ve just settled for something that would not be my first choice or that fits “ok,” but I want to make better choices and buy quality items that suit me. Are people mostly ordering multiple sizes online now and then returning what doesn’t fit? Or, do people use those personal shoppers, like the ones at Nordstrom?
I think the trend is to order multiple sizes so you can compare fit at home and return what doesn’t work.
LOVE this post – needed it today!! – I’m off to the thrift store!!
Thank you, I’am 76 yrs. And have put on a little weight. Just where my clothes are slightly tight. Your article made me feel so much better. Started donating my tight clothes and now because of you looking at new clothes ( FUN ). You are a gem!
Have a great day!
I realize our sizes change especially with jeans, but to keep changing out some of the expensive jeans seems like a waste of money so I tend to buy cheaper jeans so that I don’t feel as bad.
What a relief to read this column and realize it’s not just me experiencing this thickening in my waist at 75. Great advice just when I needed to hear it, to dress for the body I have now! I’m excited to try on my clothes and figure out what still works and what makes me miserable. Thanks!
Jennifer…you hit the nail on the head when you said weight is the same but the body redistributes. I’m 76, exercise daily, eat well and slather everything with Avon Skin so Soft. (It is soooo great)…. But my waist is much shorter than ever and the shrinking skeleton does at help the waistline. There is no waistline. So, slim non-bulky tunics, 3/4 sleeves, narrow jeans or slacks and ECCO shoes are my comfortable wardrobe. I’m too short for anything oversized or bulky. My jewelry is dainty and hais chin length. Gotta work with what “we got”. Your advice is spot on. 😇
Great advice!
Can you tell me about the brown mock neck sweater you have on in one of the pictures? Since it’s not listed, I assume it’s not currently available?
Thanks Jennifer.
It’s from Loft a few months ago but now sadly sold out.
Thank you.
Thank you, I needed to hear this today!
“Clothes aren’t a scorecard”
You are brilliant! Loved this!
I have been on a weight loss journey, that thankfully, has been (finally) successful. It almost feels like a moral conundrum to make the decision if I want to support the “aspirational” denim brands that didn’t seem to want me when I was larger….
Well written piece, Thank you. I am losing weight with a little help and determination. However my body has changed. Things just aren’t quite where they used to be. I’m not at goal yet either so things will continue to change, sigh. What I did find was that many of my pants were too long, making them look and feel baggy. Weight loss or did they just grow? I have taken them to a tailor to have shortened and one pair to have the waist let out. When I pick them up I will have 5 pairs of dress black pants! Next I’ll work on the jeans. Oh and thank you for your tip on cleaning cashmere. Saved me time and money.
Just what I need to hear … I’ve been dealing with this lately and had finally gotten rid of some clothes that I realize I will never fit into again. Even if I were able to lose enough weight to get to the same number of pounds, my body is not the same shape body it was then. So encouraging to see that others are facing the same problem and dealing with it head on … wear what feels good and what looks good on you now.
You are certainly not alone, Ann. most of us have bodies with shifting proportions.
I find that weight definitely shifts — every 7 years or so, I read somewhere. My question / comment is about new clothes. If I assume that I will be toning up as Spring arrives, then I don’t want many new trousers, so your advice on pull-ons etc. is great. But at what point, do we decide a different style is (more) permanent? And the answer does vary by jean / trouser style.
I never see a style as permanent because along with my body changing…how I want my clothes to make me feel, changes.
Thank you Jennifer for a great post! I really needed to read this. I have a closet full of clothes that do not honor my post-menopausal body. I keep thinking if I could loose 10 lbs these clothes will fit. It’s time to let them go and start honoring the body I have today not what I had years ago. You have reminded me to honor and enjoy the 73 year old body I have today. Looking forward to being comfortable.
You look great in all of your pictures in this post.
Thank you for caring about us !
Thanks for being here Marilyn!
Hi Jennifer and another great post and comments…so inspiring and just the kick I need! I’ve lost 10 pounds in the past year and after the excitement of my clothing fitting better I’m realizing they may not be flattering.
Thanks for all you do!
Great post today. YES! Comfort and still stylish is everything.
And, this all reminds me of the Billy Crystal Fernando Lamas quote: “It’s better to look good than feel good”. And with some of the stuff I used to wear when I was younger, to be trendy and cute ….. that always made me laugh, I guess because I agreed!
Great article Jennifer. Thank you!
Oh its my waist! It’s expanding though I eat sensibly, walk daily then work those yoga classes. Three times. A week!
I’m getting sick of kale and salads and gf oatmeal! Help!
Pull on pants or styles with more ease
I love how you’re stressing that the number on the label doesn’t matter, as long as we are comfortable and happy with how our clothes fit. I’ve been slowly updating my pants as I’ve “grown”. No one knows the number on the tag besides me and I’m much more comfortable. Thank you!
No truer words !
I agree. Fit is everything. I take a photo of my outfit everyday and since I have been doing this I have probably changed my weight 15 pounds. I have started noting my weight with the photo as I can’t tell what size I am except perhaps by my face. If I can’t tell, likely no one else can either. Likewise, we can’t tell on you as you always look good.
Great post and SO true ! We get so hung up on the number on the size tag. My best friend’s grandmother Vera was a style icon. Worked in a fancy dress/wedding shop until well into her late 80’s. Always make up, a scarf, and even heels. When my friend and I are out shopping and in the dressing room – often asking for the next size up – she reminds me that Vera said it is JUST a number that nobody sees. They see YOU when you look good!
Vera is right!
This was such a helpful post. I do save clothes cause “if I lose 5 pounds this would fit”. Problem is I never loose that 5 pounds. I have been going through my closet and this has helped me greatly.
I really agree with you! I just went up a size in my jeans because the old size was too tight in the waist. Sooo uncomfortable, especially after eating lunch!
Excellent information……. Thank you for sharing and reminding us. Our comfort and clarity of thought is important. We can’t be focused on our work if we can’t relax in our clothes. The pictures of you Look great and comfortable.
Thank you Thank you Thank you! I am flagging this column and coming back to it as a reminder! I’ve been struggling with this for the last 2 years – and I keep trying some brands of jeans because they are the ‘it’ brand but I have yet to find them in the right size. I am starting to think I’ve been ‘sized out’ of them because they don’t want a ‘mature’ woman to wear them! It’s so crazy how much sizes fluctuate between brands. It’s hard to embrace where I am now – especially with so many of my friends losing weight with all the new meds available now to do so…..but I need to keep reminding myself what matters is I’m healthy and can still do anything I wish – albeit more slowly sometimes haha.
Again – thank you for stating the obvious yet ignored facts – We change as we age! Embrace it! –
I’ve also enjoyed your last several on how we need to dress for who we are now – and what impression we are putting out into the world!
Some brands do seem to change their target audience which I find so annoying
Jennifer, this really hit home for me. For years I have been a 4P and at 76 my pants dig in my waist. Have I moved up a size? NO because I started dieting thinking it was me. Well, today is try on pants a sizer larger day. Thank you so much!!
And perhaps you just need a different style pant. My waist is so much thicker than it used to be because things have shifted.
My Bras are all too tight and leave a red mark when removed. Not comfortable at all. I really need to buy a couple of new ones that fit comfortably. I’ve been trying to lose weight and losing the battle. It’s time to wave the white flag.
Too tight bras are torture. You deserve better.
I am 100% behind this sentiment. I think we focus too much on the money spent on items and it’s a barrier to letting go. I’ve changed sizes and body type in the last year or two and I’ve gotten rid of a lot. However, I’ve kept some of the best and favorite items (along with the skinny jeans) in another closet. I’m still trying to figure out the new me, and that’s ok. However, comfort is non negotiable. In fact, I’m thinking it’s one of my “three words.” I really appreciate the practical outfit ideas. I think the column of color looks great at any size! Honor the boday G-d gave you and get a few things that fit and are comfortable now! They don’t have to be expensive.
I totally agree! We deserve to feel great in everything we wear.
I needed this advice, Jennifer. Thank you.
My pleasure. I needed it myself!
Excellent post!
Excellent post!
A perfect time for this post. Most of us are regretting the indulgences of the holidays and trying to once again, lost a few lbs.
BTW, your hair has hit its sweet spot. Not sure what products you are using but you have found the HG.
Thanks Cindy.
Wether you are classy, casual or chic, when you walk down the street no one says look at her! She has gone from an 8 to a size 12!! Love yourself and your look period! If they do, they are probably a 14!!
I have tea with you every morning! Thank you for your guidance and inspiration.
Great point! Happy Tuesday Dianna
I am 75 and at this point in life , I want to look current but comfortable. That means cutting off the tags in tops and shirts. When worked I wore high heels . I cannot wear a high heel anymore due to a brain defect I have always had but not it is more pronounced.
Thank you, fantastic blog!
Great post. Good reminders for all of us. I’m planning to do a review of my winter clothes soon and I will keep this post in the back of my head as I do it.